According to gps: odo 17.15 mov time 1h47m max 19.9 moving avg 9.6 tot time 2h22m
I've got the week off; it was a lovely crisp morning when I awoke this morning so I thought I'd go off somewhere today. I decided to follow the cycle route that I was vaguely aware of (route 82, I think) down to Manchester airport.
The ride was a bit uninteresting - I sort of knew the way, sort of didn't - so I discovered routes around the Princess Parkway that I wasn't aware of, and got a bit irritated that the cycle route took me (literally) round the houses at times rather than using more direct routes, but anyway - I got to the airport (where some signs had gone missing) without any major hassles. The route is detailed - ish - here.
I figured that when I got to the airport I would find the cycling centre - I got there eventually, and had a chat with the chap there. I must admit that it was more of a kiosk than a bike shop (the latter being what I was expecting) but I picked up some useful leaflets about various rides locally.
There is a Manchester Airport Orbital cycle route; I decided not to do it and to head back as the weather was clouding over a bit and, although I could probably have managed it, I didn't want to get stuck out if it was going to tip it down.
It wasn't freezing weather, but it was chilly enough for me to be cold when I stopped cycling. I was wearing my normal Tshirt/shorts but I did also wear my sleeveless fleece/gilet which was fine when I was going. Unfortunately my bike started rattling a lot on the way back and my second cog on the front mech(?) was a bit bent so the chain kept slipping; I think my rear sprung mech and front cogs need looking at. Never mind, just need to look at it at some point.
So, nearly 18 miles; not bad and although the route wasn't terribly exciting (apart from perhaps the Bridgewater canal towpath for the last mile or two) it was good to get out before the weather turns horribly wet and cold.